How to Tell If You’re Neurodivergent
If you've ever wondered…
“Why do I react so differently than other people?”
“Why is everything so loud, overwhelming, or exhausting sometimes?”
“Why have I always felt a little out of sync, even when I’m ‘functioning’ just fine?”
…you’re not alone.
And you’re not imagining things.
A growing number of adults are beginning to ask questions about neurodivergence — not because they’re looking for a label, but because they’re looking for relief, understanding, and language for the way they experience the world.
So let’s talk about it.
What Does “Neurodivergent” Mean?
Neurodivergent is a term that simply means your brain processes, senses, or experiences the world in a way that diverges from what’s considered “typical.”
This might include:
Autism
ADHD
Sensory Processing Differences
Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, or other learning differences
Tic disorders or other non-neurotypical developmental patterns
Some people identify as neurodivergent even without a formal diagnosis — especially if they relate to the traits and find validation in the term. It’s not about fitting into a strict box. It’s about better understanding how you’re wired.
Why You Might Be Asking This Now (Especially in Adulthood)
Maybe you’ve always felt “off,” “too much,” “not enough,” or “weirdly sensitive.”
Maybe you’ve masked so well that no one noticed — but you’re exhausted from holding it together.
Or maybe you’re just realizing that what you’ve called anxiety or “quirks” might actually be something more meaningful.
It’s incredibly common for adults — especially women, LGBTQ+ folks, and people of color — to go undiagnosed or misdiagnosed for years.
Many of us grew up before neurodivergence was widely understood. And now, we’re slowly unlearning the idea that we just needed to “try harder” to be like everyone else.
Common Signs You Might Be Neurodivergent
While everyone is different, here are some common experiences shared by many neurodivergent adults:
Sensory Sensitivities
Lights, sounds, textures, or smells easily overwhelm you
You notice things other people don’t — or you shut down when there’s too much happening at once
You have strong food preferences or aversions, especially around texture or temperature
Emotional & Social Patterns
You feel things very deeply — and often struggle to regulate emotions
You replay conversations in your head for hours afterward
You’ve been called “too intense,” “too quiet,” “too sensitive,” or “awkward”
You tend to mask or hide your true reactions to fit in socially
Focus, Routine, & Energy
You hyperfocus on certain tasks and totally zone out on others
You have a hard time transitioning between tasks or environments
You need structure — but get overwhelmed by too much of it
You feel drained after socializing, even when you enjoy it
Life Experiences
You often feel misunderstood, even by people who love you
You’ve struggled with burnout, meltdowns, shutdowns, or chronic fatigue
You feel more connected to animals, systems, or hobbies than to small talk or crowds
You’ve always felt like you’re “pretending to be normal”
ADHD vs. Autism: Do I Need a Label?
Not necessarily. Some people find labels empowering. Others just want clarity about how they function best.
ADHD is often tied to energy regulation (impulsivity, distractibility, task-switching).
Autism is often tied to sensory processing, communication differences, and deep patterns of focus or routine.
But many people — especially adults — fall somewhere in between. (You may hear the term AuDHD for those with both.)
You don’t have to know exactly what to call it.
You just have to know what feels true for you — and how to get the support that fits your needs.
But What If I’m Just Overthinking It?
Let’s reframe that.
If you’re asking this question — if your experiences have felt out of sync with the world for years — that’s worth listening to.
You’re not “overreacting.” You’re noticing. You’re reflecting.
You’re getting curious — and that’s something to be proud of.
What Can You Do Next?
You don’t need to jump straight to a diagnosis. But here are some gentle next steps:
Keep exploring. Read about neurodivergence from people who live it, not just medical sources.
Journal or reflect. What parts of your daily life feel harder than they “should”? What have you always had to hide or work around?
Talk to a therapist who understands neurodivergence. Whether or not you want a label, having support from someone who gets it can be life-changing.
Consider an assessment — especially if accommodations or validation from a formal diagnosis would help you access more support.
Therapy to Support You Every Step of the Way
You’re not broken.
You’re not “too sensitive.”
You’re not lazy, awkward, or wrong.
You might just be neurodivergent — and finally starting to come home to yourself.
If that’s the case, welcome. There’s a whole world of people like you. People who get it. People who’ve built beautiful, connected, fulfilling lives without forcing themselves to fit into neurotypical boxes.
You don’t need to change who you are.
You just need to understand how you work — and give yourself permission to thrive in your own way.
Need a Therapist Who Gets It?
I specialize in working with neurodivergent adults and couples who want to understand themselves better, unmask safely, and build lives that actually feel good to live in.
📅 [Click here to schedule a session] or [reach out with your questions.]
Let’s explore what’s true for you — together.
